The Golden State Warriors are facing a full-blown crisis less than two weeks before the February 5 trade deadline. Jonathan Kuminga has officially requested a trade, with league sources confirming that his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr is "fractured beyond repair." This bombshell comes at the worst possible moment for the franchise, which is still reeling from the devastating news of Jimmy Butler's season-ending ACL injury earlier this week.
Kerr and Kuminga: A Relationship "Fractured Beyond Repair"
The tension between the 23-year-old forward and the Warriors' championship-winning coach has been simmering for years, but it appears to have finally boiled over. According to league insider Shams Charania, the dynamic between the two is "non-existent" and has "completely deteriorated" over the last month. Kuminga, who signed a two-year, $48.5 million extension in the 2025 offseason, has found himself repeatedly in and out of Kerr’s rotation, a situation that has reportedly left the young star feeling "banished."
Despite being the fourth-highest-paid player on the roster, Kuminga saw his minutes slashed dramatically in December and early January. Sources close to the situation indicate that Kuminga believes his development is being stifled by Kerr’s preference for veteran reliability—a philosophy that has only intensified since the arrival of Jimmy Butler.
The Jimmy Butler Injury: A Twist in the Narrative
The timing of Kuminga's trade demand is particularly shocking given the sudden hole in the Warriors' lineup. Star acquisition Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL just days ago, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. In his first game stepping in for the injured Butler, Kuminga reminded the league of his potential, dropping 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting against the Raptors.
However, even this opportunity wasn't enough to salvage the relationship. While the Warriors' playoff hopes have taken a massive hit with Butler's injury, the organization now faces the complex challenge of navigating a trade for a disgruntled asset who just became their most necessary replacement. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. seemingly alluded to the difficult trade market in a recent press conference, offering a blunt assessment of the situation: "In terms of demands, when you make a demand there needs to be demand."
NBA Trade Deadline Updates: Who Wants Kuminga?
Despite Dunleavy's posturing, the market for Kuminga is heating up. Reports indicate that the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks have emerged as the primary suitors. The Kings, looking to shake up a roster featuring aging stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, have long held interest in the athletic wing. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are reportedly exploring options to pair a young, explosive scorer alongside their core.
Contract Complications
Kuminga’s contract structure makes him a unique trade chip. His $22.5 million salary for this season is matchable for many contending teams, and the team option for the 2026-27 season provides acquiring teams with flexibility. However, the Warriors are reportedly uninterested in taking back long-term salary that would clog their books, especially with Butler’s massive contract already locked in for next year.
What's Next for Golden State?
With the February 5 deadline rapidly approaching, the Warriors are at a crossroads. Keeping a disgruntled Kuminga could poison the locker room culture Kerr has fought so hard to maintain, but trading him for pennies on the dollar would effectively wave the white flag on the season. As the rumors swirl, one thing is certain: the dynasty era in Golden State has never looked more fragile.
